Ronnie’s beard is the bush-iness for charities

HAIRY Ronnie Fox is raising hundreds of pounds for two good causes after growing this bushy beard.

Ronnie has let his face fuzz grow free since February when he abandoned his razor.

He has been attracting lots of attention everywhere he goes, and has been likened to everyone from Brian Blessed to Hagrid from the Harry Potter films.

The 47-year-old dad of two has so far raised around £600 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

Ronnie, from Peterlee, said: “I decided to grow the beard in February. A lot of people didn’t think I would do it.

“I could have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in a shorter time. It takes dedication, patience and commitment.

“I love the way it looks and I’m helping two good causes which is fantastic.

“Up to now, I’ve had pledges of about £500 to £600.”

Ronnie, married to Alison, 47, will soon be saying goodbye to the beard.

On Boxing Day he plans to have the first half shaved off before going on a fundraising pub crawl when he will be raising more cash.

He will then return to his smooth old self on New Year’s Eve at his home.

“My young grandson has only ever seen me with the beard so he will be able to see the real me,” he added.

Ronnie, an insulation quality manager, has supported Macmillan Cancer Support before saying: “One in three people will be affected by it and Macmillan are not just their for the patients but for the family as well.”